The Federal Government has issued an urgent warning, alerting Nigerians to expect heavy rainfall across the country over the next five days, with the potential for severe flooding in 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre, operating under the Federal Ministry of Environment, released the statement on Monday in Abuja, highlighting the growing risks posed by rising water levels and intensified rainfall.
According to the statement, communities situated along the floodplains of Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun are at particularly high risk and have been strongly advised to evacuate immediately to avoid the dangerous consequences of severe flooding.
The alert warns of a significant increase in rainfall from October 14 to 18, 2024, which could result in widespread flooding, particularly in areas already prone to such disasters. The centre pinpointed specific regions where the rainfall is expected to be heaviest, urging the public to take necessary precautions.
“The areas identified are highly vulnerable to flooding due to the heavy downpour forecasted over the next five days,” the statement read. “Communities along the Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun are at the highest risk and should evacuate immediately to avoid the impact of rising water levels.”
The centre has listed a wide range of states and locations expected to bear the brunt of the heavy rainfall. These include:
- Osun State: Ede, Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Osogbo
- Delta State: Escravos
- Cross River State: Ikom
- Anambra State: Onitsha
- Taraba State: Donga, Ibi, Wukari, and surrounding areas
- Nasarawa State: Rukubi
- Kebbi State: Argungu, Birnin-Kebbi, Gwandu, Kalgo, Ribah, Sakaba, Yelwa
- Gombe State: Bajoga
- Katsina State: Bakori, Funtua
- Borno State: Biu, Briyel
- Kaduna State: Birnin-Gwari, Buruku, Kaduna, Jaji
- Niger State: Bida, Kontagora, Lapai, and other flood-prone locations
- Yobe State: Dapchi
- Adamawa State: Demsa, Ganye, Jimeta, Mubi, and other towns
- Kogi State: Ibaji, Omala
- Kwara State: Jebba, Kosubosu
- Bauchi State: Kari, Tafawa Balewa, Kirfi
- Plateau State: Shendam
- Federal Capital Territory: Kubwa, Gwagwalada, Bwari
- Kano State: Sumaila
- Oyo State: Kishi
- Sokoto State: Silame
- Zamfara State: Majara
